Why Are Foods Different Colors, Is There a Benefit?

Why did God create our foods to have different colors? Do you ever think, why are tomatoes red or yellow? Is there something about the color that makes the food special? Yes, the colors do mean something.

The different colors identify certain phytonutrients the vegetable or fruit may contain. Their role in plants is to protect plants from disease, injuries, insects, drought, excessive heat, ultraviolet rays, and poisons or pollutants in the air or soil. They form part of the plants immune system. When we eat the plant we get the protective benefits of the plant immune system, also. Scientists do not consider phytonutrients as essential for health although they do provide health building properties. Phytonutrients are essential for optimal health. This means you can live without them, however, your level of health and ability to resist illness or diseases is not at its highest.

Phyonutrients are a different class of nutrient. They are not vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins or carbohydrates. Although some Vitamins and Minerals do act as powerful antioxidants, phytonutrients are different and act as antioxidants, providing protection for our bodies in many ways. Antioxidants help prevent aging by protecting our bodies from free radicals. Free radicals damage cell structure and can even damage cellular DNA leading to mutations which may cause cancers and other diseases. If you are an athlete, sick or have a lot of stress in your life, you need greater quantities of antioxidants.

These colorful foods also provide a wide assortment of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants and fatty acids. Although low in calories they pack a real nutritional punch feeding your body healing and renewing nutrients. A carpenter can’t build a house without lumber and nails. You can’t build and support a healthy body without the bodies building materials, nutrients. You can build a body out of junk food, however its going to be a junk body that most likely will suffer from many nagging ailments such as; chronic pains, aches, digestive problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood sugar imbalances, infections, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, depression, mental fog, low energy, fatigue, poor mood, poor memory and eventually disease.

Contain nutrients which include lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin. Similar to the previous nutrients, these nutrients support retinal health, lower LDL cholesterol, boost immune system activity, support healthy digestion, improve calcium and other mineral absorption, fight inflammation, reduce tumor growth, act as an anticarcinogens in the digestive tract, and limit the activity of cancer cells. Certainly blueberries are a favorite of many but also try, purple or black grapes, black berries, black currants, eggplant, purple cabbage, purple onions, purple carrots and purple asparagus.

Orange and Yellow fruits and vegetables

Contain beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C. These nutrients reduce age-related macula degeneration and the risk of prostate cancer, lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, promote collagen formation and healthy joints, fight harmful free radicals, encourage alkaline balance, and work with magnesium and calcium to build healthy bones. Common orange and yellow foods are pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet potato, spaghetti squash, oranges, papaya, carrots (carrots can also be found in yellow, and purple) and salmon. Yes, wild caught salmon is rich in beta carotene, that’s why it is bright orange. Farm raised salmon is not nearly as rich in beta carotene and is not as healthy of a choice as wild caught.

Brown foods such as chocolate (dark only is best), beans, nuts and seeds provide many different types of phytonutrients such as epicatechin, ellagic acid, isoflavones, resveratrol and many more. Pecans have the highest antioxidant rating of the nut and seed family. Raw cocao (chocolate) has the highest antioxidant rating of any food. Try dark chocolate that is 85% dark or higher, black beans, red beans, pinto beans, lentils, almonds, flax seed (must be ground), walnuts, pecans, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.

Eat the rainbow everyday if possible. It’s easy if you make a salad. I have a salad almost every day and it is loaded with every color. Making the food rainbow a part of your daily life is going make you and your body happy and healthy!!

The contents of this blog is not and should not be considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.

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Published by Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.

In 2006, Wally was a morbidly obese man who weighed over 450 pounds and had many health problems. By improving his nutrition and adopting holistic healthy living principles, Wally was able to lose more than 220 pounds. By adopting these natural holistic principles he reversed many health problems including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, lymphedema, arthritis and sleep apnea.
Today, Wally is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Nutritional and Wellness Consultant and is the owner of Wellness With Wally, a Nutrition and Health Coaching Service.
Wally is actively involved in local and national health promotion efforts. In addition, he works with community organizations and corporations as a speaker and educator.
Wally’s Achievements
• Author of over 300 articles on diet, nutrition, weight loss, sports nutrition and healthy living principles.
• Regular contributor to local and national magazines and health related blog sites.
• Author of “Maximize Your Life, Renew Your Mind, Body, and Spirit.”
• Creator of the 12-week health and wellness course, “Unlock Your Health Potential,” which has been taught at local companies over the past 4 years.
• Wally has given over 250 presentations regarding health, fitness, wellness and nutrition.
• Wally has been a featured guest on NPR, CBS and Fox News stations. As well as being invited to provide expert health opinions on various radio programs.
• Wally has been instrumental in the development and implementation of Health and Wellness programs for companies including a Fortune 500 company.
Additionally, Wally provides a variety of class formats (ranging from thirty minute to one-hour classes to full 12-week courses) for businesses that are looking for ways to encourage their employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. Improved employee health and wellness has a positive impact on employee attendance, work efficiency, quality of work, lower health care cost and overall associate happiness thus increasing a companies overall bottom line.
View all posts by Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.